Boris Becker has spoken candidly about his time in Wandsworth prison, describing the shock and fear of his first nights behind bars.
“I heard the screaming and I didn’t know what it was. Were people trying to kill themselves or harm themselves? Or couldn’t they deal with their loneliness? Or are they just making crazy noises because they have lost their minds already?” Becker recalled.
Sentenced to two and a half years in April 2022 for failing to declare assets during insolvency proceedings, Becker was confined to a cell as chaos erupted around him. He admitted those first nights were the most difficult of his life.
“You can’t sleep because all of it is true. In jail people do kill themselves, people do harm themselves and people do go crazy. HMP Wandsworth is probably one of the toughest prisons in the UK so to be put in there was quite a shock,” he said.
Finding accountability and stoicism
Becker explained that his 231 days in prison forced him to confront his past and take responsibility.
“You have to take real accountability and a cell life gives you that opportunity. Three years later, the reason I’m doing well is because I took full accountability for the good and bad I did,” he noted.
His rehabilitation was aided by Andy Small, a warder who encouraged him to study stoicism. Becker eventually became a teacher of the philosophy to fellow inmates.
“It helped me and eventually, I became a stoic teacher myself where I could talk to inmates and try to rehabilitate some of them. Andy put his faith into me and I think I delivered,” Becker said.
Memories of Wimbledon from behind bars
Despite the grim environment, Becker found moments of joy. Watching Novak Djokovic’s run to the Wimbledon final in 2022 on a small prison television, he felt a connection with fellow inmates who joined in celebrating each point.
“When Novak won, and raised his arms, I stood up and raised my arms too. The noise along the wing broke out again, louder than ever before. I stood there and I cried,” Becker remembered.
Djokovic had arranged tickets for Becker’s partner Lilian and his son Noah, a gesture Becker described as true friendship.
“I saw them ringside at every game, and that’s what I call true friendship, that you’re not forgotten. I always thank Novak for this special memory,” he said.
Becker on Djokovic’s future
Reflecting on Djokovic’s career, Becker emphasized the Serbian’s importance to tennis.
“He leads by example and shows the young players the amount of dedication you need to come to the top and then stay on top. He’s still chasing his 25th grand slam. Who are we to challenge Novak when to stop? I heard the other day that he wants to play at the Olympics in LA 2028. Let him. We need him,” Becker concluded.
Novak Djokovic in 2025
Now the world no.4, Djokovic played his last match on the 8th of November when he overcame world no.8 Lorenzo Musetti 4-6 6-3 7-5 in the final in Athens to win his 101st career title.
Until now, during this year Djokovic has achieved a 39-11 record. The Serbian has won 2 titles in 2025 in Geneva and Athens. The Serbian was the runner-up in Miami.
Djokovic has scheduled to play next in Brisbane (Brisbane International). He will begin to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 29th of December.
